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Thornton could be activated Sunday

Thornton could be activated Sunday

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Thornton leaves game 1:07

8/4/13: After delivering a pitch to Didi Gregorius in the eighth, Matt Thorton comes away with an injury and is forced to leave the game

By Ian Browne
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MLB.com |

LOS ANGELES -- The Red Sox could get lefty Matt Thornton back in the bullpen by the end of this weekend. Thornton, who threw a simulated game on Friday, has been out since injuring his right oblique on Aug. 4.

"We'll check him tomorrow, and then, we'll go one of two ways. It could possibly be an activation for Sunday or, if we determine that he needs another time on the mound, we'll determine it," said manager John Farrell. "Most importantly, we just need to check that there's no soreness after today's session, during which he threw the ball very good."

Ryan Dempster, in the midst of a five-game suspension for hitting Alex Rodriguez on Sunday, did not throw a simulated game as originally planned.

"He'll throw his bullpen tomorrow," said Farrell. "He came in and got his early work done and, per the rules, he's left the building, as they say. So, we'll get him on the mound tomorrow."

Clay Buchholz threw a bullpen session on Friday and will fly Saturday to Hudson Valley in preparation for the start of his Minor League rehab assignment on Sunday for Class A Lowell.

Ian Browne is a reporter for MLB.com. Read his blog, Brownie Points, and follow him on Twitter @IanMBrowne. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.